Can you get an e-bike on the Cycle to Work scheme?

How the scheme works

The savings come from paying the hire out of your pay before tax and National Insurance. How much you save depends on your tax band and circumstances. The gov.uk Cycle to Work implementation guidance explains the rules employers follow.

1. 1

   Your employer signs up with a scheme provider, or runs the scheme itself.

2. 2

   You choose a bike and equipment from a participating shop and apply through your employer.

3. 3

   Your employer buys the bike and hires it to you for an agreed period.

4. 4

   You repay the hire through salary sacrifice, taken from your gross pay before tax and National Insurance.

5. 5

   At the end of the hire period, the provider or employer may offer you options, such as buying the bike or extending the hire.

Can every e-bike be included?

The scheme covers bicycles and cycling safety equipment. For e-bikes, the bike should be an electrically assisted pedal cycle: a 250 W rated motor with assistance that cuts out at 15.5 mph. High-power or throttle-only bikes that count as motor vehicles do not qualify. See the gov.uk electric bike rules and our UK e-bike law explained.

The 2019 guidance removed the previous cap on the value of equipment, but employers can still set their own limit, and some providers need extra permissions for higher-value packages. Ask your employer what limit applies. Shops must be part of the provider's network, so check which ones are included before choosing a bike.

Who can join

Salary sacrifice can affect some earnings-related benefits and pension contributions, so check with your employer or an adviser if you are unsure.

• You usually need to be an employee paid through PAYE.
• The salary sacrifice must not take your pay below the National Minimum Wage.
• The bike should be used mainly for qualifying journeys, which include travel between home and work.
• Some employers only open the scheme at set times of year.
• Self-employed people cannot use the scheme for themselves.

What to check before ordering

Accessories such as locks, lights and helmets can usually be included. A strong lock is worth adding for an e-bike; our e-bike lock guide covers high-security options. Keep a note of the bike's frame number and the hire agreement in case it is stolen during the hire period, and check whether the provider requires insurance.

Choosing an e-bike for commuting

Think about your route length, hills, where you will park at work and whether you will take a train for part of the journey. A hybrid with mudguards, a rack and lights suits most commutes. A folding e-bike suits train commuters and small homes. Check that the bike's range comfortably covers a round trip with a margin for winter.

Our electric hybrid guide and folding e-bike guide compare commuter-friendly models, and what e-bike should I buy helps you narrow down the type. Note that the bike must be bought through a participating shop, so check availability before you set your heart on a model.

Compare commuter e-bikes →

Frequently asked questions

Are e-bikes allowed on the Cycle to Work scheme? Yes, if they meet the EAPC rules and your employer's limit allows.

Is there a maximum value for Cycle to Work? There is no longer a fixed government cap, but employers and providers can set their own limits.

Can I buy an e-bike on Amazon through Cycle to Work? Only through retailers in your provider's network. Check with the provider.

Do I own the bike at the end? Not automatically. The provider sets the end-of-hire options, which may include buying it.